Yankees news: Plan for Juan Soto fallout

New York Daily News | Gary Phillips ($): We’ll start with a few thought exercises on Juan Soto. His decision in free agency will dictate a large part of the Yankees’ strategy for 2025, and should they sign him, the team will be a little more financially constrained. The high ceiling that comes with two MVP-caliber bats alongside a Cy Young contender ace means the Yankees can focus on improving the team, which can be accomplished with a few shorter-term, cheaper moves .

New York Daily News | Gary Phillips ($): The other side of the coin is what happens when Soto not Sign with the Yankees? The club will have an eight-win sized hole to fill, and while they will have the money to do it, we’ve seen in the past that the “distribution of wealth” among a collection of second-tier free agents doesn’t work. It’s not always the impact that a top star can have.

New York Post | Mark W. Sanchez: One of the second most important dominoes to fall after Soto will be what to do at first base after Ben Rice’s mediocre first turn in the majors. Cody Bellinger could be available on the trade market while Christian Walker could be available as a free agent. The Yankees had the worst cold corner performance in the entire game last year, so something has to change.